Harrisville Methodist Church plans facility expansion

Harrisville Methodist Church, founded in 1844 as a Methodist Episcopal Church, has announced plans for a major expansion of its facility across from the Harrisville Post Office on U.S. 250.

Known for Bible-based teaching, music and a welcoming congregation, the church said it continues to grow.

The congregation includes 104 members, with average weekly worship attendance of 100. Worship is held at 11 a.m. Sundays, with men’s and women’s Bible studies Wednesday evenings. Members travel from surrounding communities including Jewett, Cadiz, Adena, Shadyside, St. Clairsville, Dillonvale and Colerain.

The church also livestreams services at 11 a.m. Sundays on Facebook and YouTube, reaching more than 200 viewers weekly.

Church leaders said the current worship space has been filled to capacity for several years. Sunday school and Vacation Bible School programs also have outgrown the existing facility.

Plans for the project include a new sanctuary seating 200, a fellowship hall for 200 and a warming and serving kitchen to support expanded church and community activities for children and adults.

“This expansion is not about a building — it’s about people,” Pastor Ken Staley said. “God continues to bring families from Harrison, Jefferson and Belmont counties who are hungry for biblical teaching, authentic fellowship, and a church they can call home. We are simply making room for the ministry God is already growing. Our prayer is that this space will allow us to disciple more believers, serve more children and youth, and reach more of our surrounding communities with the hope of Jesus Christ.”

Groundbreaking is planned for March 1, and the church invited the community to participate. While final construction estimates are still being developed, church leaders said they are hopeful the project can be completed debt-free through the generosity of the congregation and friends. Those interested in supporting the expansion are encouraged to contact the church.

Staley and his wife, Patty, have served the congregation for the past 10 years. In 2023, the church disaffiliated from the United Methodist Church and joined the Global Methodist Church.

For more information, contact Pastor Ken Staley, Harrisville Methodist Church, P.O. Box 163, 49355 E. Main St., Harrisville, OH 43974, or call 918-852-9797.